How To Avoid Picking Up Bed Bugs

Keep Bed Bugs Out Of Your Apartment

Nearly half of homes in NYC are located in buildings with more than 20 units, and New Yorker's are three times more likely to live in a multifamily building than the average American. Though multi-complex structures are convenient and save space, they also put residents at high risk of infestations. If a neighboring apartment becomes infested, their problem can become your problem. For example, a  case study  found that nearly half of the 210 units in a 15-story apartment building became infested after 41 months. Fortunately, a door sweep or jam can help keep bed bugs from wandering inside your home from communal hallways and outdoor walkways. Above all, don’t bring used furniture inside your home without a thorough inspection (or at all).

A common misconception is that they are only found in dirty homes. In actuality, the only two factors they care about are warmth and blood, and no home is immune even if kept in immaculate condition. However, clutter provides them with more places to hide, and maintaining a tidy home is an excellent way to improve early detection. Regular vacuuming can also pick up and isolate the occasional wanderer. Though  shared laundry facilities  are not typically a danger zone since high heat is fatal to bed bugs, a combination of laundering clothes in cold water and letting them air-dry can make you susceptible. Since shared carts, tables, and other storage areas pose the most significant risk, you should bring your own storage items and fold laundry at home whenever possible.

How To Prevent Picking Up Bed Bugs When Traveling

Bed bug infestations are more likely in metropolitan areas, where foot traffic, travel, and frequent moving are more common. Though they can be picked up on planes, trains, or other public transportation, using backpacks, purses, and other storage items made from hard materials instead of fabric serves as an effective countermeasure. Bed bugs can also be spread throughout the workplace, so avoid leaving items on office floors and inspect your clothes and personal belongings before entering your home.

If you go on vacation, use a light-colored hard-shell suitcase and pack clothing in re-sealable plastic bags. Before getting settled in a hotel or Airbnb, inspect rooms for signs of them and notify management if you find anything suspicious. Hotels are one of the most common sources of infestations and even if everything seems safe, keep your luggage away from the bed and off the floor or soft furniture. Upon returning from your travels, do not bring your belongings inside your home right away. Instead, leave it outside and in direct sunlight for 24 hours if the weather permits. Additionally, you should launder your clothing immediately, even if you did not wear it.

Preventing And Eliminating Bed Bugs In The New York Area

Unfortunately, taking many precautions might not be enough to avoid them entirely. For instance, they can travel through pipes and voids in walls, and you cannot control the behavior of everyone who enters your home. To that end, early detection becomes essential. Once they begin to proliferate, you might have no choice but to contact a professional. An infestation can quickly get out of control, and home remedies are rarely effective. 

If you are looking for additional solutions or have more questions about preventing an infestation, do not hesitate to contact a local PMP. The technicians at Jet Pest Control are New York City’s best bed bug specialists trained in Eco-friendly bed bug control. We are licensed and insured and offer customers a range of pest management services, including low prep protocol bed bug treatments.  Contact  us today to learn more about prevention and extermination in  New York City  and the five boroughs.